Elvis Smylie delivered a breakout performance in Riyadh, claiming the first LIV Golf title of 2026 with a flawless final‑round display under the lights.
Elvis Smylie has continued his remarkable rise in global golf, capturing the first LIV Golf title of 2026 with a calm and commanding performance under the lights in Riyadh.
The 23‑year‑old Queenslander produced a bogey‑free final round to secure his maiden LIV victory in his first ever LIV Golf event, adding another major highlight to his fast‑growing résumé following his breakthrough win at the 2024 Australian PGA Championship.
Carrying the confidence of that 2024 triumph at Royal Queensland, where he stared down idols like Cameron Smith — Smylie once again showed unwavering composure when it mattered most.
Jon Rahm mounted a fierce late charge with a run of birdies, but Smylie held firm, two‑putting safely on the 18th to seal a one‑shot victory.
“It’s a dream come true,” he said. “I wanted to come out here and make a statement. I wanted to prove that I’m one of the best out here, and I feel like I’ve done that.”
The win also lifted Ripper GC to the team title, underlining Smylie’s rapidly growing influence within the all‑Australian squad. For the young left‑hander, the victory marks another significant step in a career gathering extraordinary momentum.
“Playing under the lights was a whole different ball game,” he said. “I really tried to embrace every moment… it’s only up from here.”
With an Australian PGA Championship and now a LIV Golf title in his trophy cabinet, Smylie arrives at next week’s LIV Adelaide event as one of the hottest names in Australian golf and a player many fans are eager to cheer on in person.